Yanking me down by my nape, she crushes her mouth against mine. I twist my fingers in her hair and hold her in place as I pour all my love and devotion and need for her into the kiss.
I don’t stop kissing her for hours till there’s no fear in her head.
Chapter Sixty
Arya
(A month later)
I jump when a warm hand presses on my knee. My head twists to the driver’s seat, meeting Nathan’s gaze. “If you’re nervous, we can do it another time, angel.”
“I’m not nervous.”
Nathan arches one eyebrow, conveying I’m full of shit.
“Fine. I am a little nervous.” Okay, that’s a big fat lie. I’m jittery with nerves on every inch of my skin. My heart pounds harder the closer we get to my parent’s house.
“Do you want me to turn the car around?”
“No,” I say in a rush. “We’re meeting them tonight.”
I texted my mother that I’ll be visiting tonight to have tea with her and papa. However, I didn’t mention I’ll be bringing my boyfriend.
Once Nathan had come home from his weekly therapy session an hour ago, I was dressed and waiting for him. And we immediately left. It wasn’t until I sat down inside the car that my mind started overthinking.
“Okay.” Nathan raises my hand to his mouth and kisses.
“In case it’s a shit show and my father reacts badly, promise me that you’ll be calm.”
His jaw tightens as he peers my way. “You know I can’t promise you that, angel. I won’t stand anyone disrespecting and mistreating you. I’m practicing enough restraint as it is not to clock your dad the minute I see him. I haven’t forgotten he slapped you.”
Nathan has a violent streak when it comes to protecting me.
For some odd reason, I find it both comforting and scary at the same time. I’ve asked him to curb those urges, even though it only comes out in extreme cases.
“Fine,” I sigh. “If I sense the conversation is about to go bad, I’ll warn you and we’ll leave before it escalates.”
“What if they don’t approve of me?”
“I’m not telling them about us to earn their validation, Nathan,” I gently reply. “They can either accept you or lose both their daughters. I’m yours and you’re mine. No one has the power to change that.”
“I hope they’ve learned from their last mistake.” His voice is deep and dark and possessive. “Because only fools will throw away a treasure like you.”
His words wash over me, like warm caresses of the wind. Smiling happily, I gaze out the window for the rest of the ride.
When we park outside my parent’s mansion, I’m strong and confident as I step out of the car. Nathan rounds the hood and laces my hand through his. Together, we climb to the porch and ring the doorbell.
A minute later, a butler opens the door. Apparently, they’ve replaced our last one. What else has changed since I’ve been gone?
“Hello, Miss. Arya,” he greets, then flicks his gaze to Nathan. “Mrs. Singhania didn’t tell me you were bringing a friend.”
“I’m her boyfriend,” Nathan corrects darkly.
The poor guy’s eyes widen. “Oh, sorry. My mistake.”
“Are my parents’ home?”
“They’re waiting for you in the garden.” He steps to the side, letting us in. “I’ll get started on the tea and biscuits.”
